Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for applying spatial filtering the optical beam of a free space optical coherence tomography (OCT) system substantially without problematic reflections back to the optical source. The invention teaches spatially filtering the reference beam of the OCT system which is typically designed to provide isolation of the optical source from undesirable optical feed-back, thereby achieving spatial filtering without generating undesirable reflections back to the optical source. Various embodiments are taught.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for secure document verification. In the preferred embodiment, embedded information consists of marks embedded in the interior of the document and are comprised of regions that have refractive index modified to carry information. In the preferred embodiment the marks are not discernable by conventional imaging, spectroscopic or optical polarization techniques, but are discernably by interferometric techniques, such as optical coherence tomography. Multiple alternate embodiments are taught.

Abstract: The invention provides for generating a set of signature signals that correspond to a range of depths within a target. These signature signals can include multiple individual reference signals and be can modified to compensate for specific characteristics of the target. In the preferred embodiment the members of the set of signature signals are correlated with data sets by phase rotating individual reference signals to determine maximum and minimum correlation and thereby enabling determination of the scattering characteristic of the target at each depth. Also a pilot signal is monitored to dynamically determine the phase relationship between individual reference signals and thereby avail of phase sensitive detection techniques to enhance SNR at deeper regions where multiple individual reference signals exist.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for applying spatial filtering the optical beam of a free space optical coherence tomography (OCT) system substantially without problematic reflections back to the optical source. The invention teaches spatially filtering the reference beam of the OCT system which is typically designed to provide isolation of the optical source from undesirable optical feed-back, thereby achieving spatial filtering without generating undesirable reflections back to the optical source. Various embodiments are taught.

Abstract: The invention teaches a multiple reference optical coherence tomography scanner that provides a subdermal fingerprint scan, covers an area of approximately 16 mm-17 mm×10 mm in less than a second, and fits into a slim profile of less than 6 mm in thickness, thereby fitting within the slim consumer electronics such as the iPhone and similar consumer electronics. Various embodiments are taught.

Abstract: The invention provides for generating a set of signature signals that correspond to a range of depths within a target. These signature signals can include multiple individual reference signals and be can modified to compensate for specific characteristics of the target. In the preferred embodiment the members of the set of signature signals are correlated with data sets by phase rotating individual reference signals to determine maximum and minimum correlation and thereby enabling determination of the scattering characteristic of the target at each depth. Also a pilot signal is monitored to dynamically determine the phase relationship between individual reference signals and thereby avail of phase sensitive detection techniques to enhance SNR at deeper regions where multiple individual reference signals exist.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for obtaining ophthalmic measurements whereby the inventive device is configured to be head mountable, automatically axially length aligned with a selected target, and laterally aligned so that light from an OCT source enters through the pupil of the eye under test. The frame of the head mountable OCT is customizable, capable of analyzing both the left and right eye of a subject. The inventive device can be operated by the person undergoing test. Embodiments include mechanisms for eye fixation, lateral, angular and depth scanning of target regions. A variety of embodiments are taught, including the scanning of both eyes of a subject at substantially the same time, and a configuration of a photonic module coupleable with a plurality of frames. Embodiments include a variety of OCT sources, such as MRO, swept source, time domain, and spectral domain.

Abstract: The invention teaches a multiple reference optical coherence tomography scanner that provides a subdermal fingerprint scan, covers an area of approximately 16 mm-17 mm×10 mm in less than a second, and fits into a slim profile of less than 6 mm in thickness, thereby fitting within the slim consumer electronics such as the iPhone and similar consumer electronics. Various embodiments are taught.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for obtaining ophthalmic measurements whereby the inventive device is configured to be head mountable, automatically axially length aligned with a selected target, and laterally aligned so that light from an OCT source enters through the pupil of the eye under test. The frame of the head mountable OCT is customizable, capable of analyzing both the left and right eye of a subject. The inventive device can be operated by the person undergoing test. Embodiments include mechanisms for eye fixation, lateral, angular and depth scanning of target regions. A variety of embodiments are taught, including the scanning of both eyes of a subject at substantially the same time, and a configuration of a photonic module coupleable with a plurality of frames. Embodiments include a variety of OCT sources, such as MRO, swept source, time domain, and spectral domain.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for applying spatial filtering the optical beam of a free space optical coherence tomography (OCT) system substantially without problematic reflections back to the optical source. The invention teaches spatially filtering the reference beam of the OCT system which is typically designed to provide isolation of the optical source from undesirable optical feed-back, thereby achieving spatial filtering without generating undesirable reflections back to the optical source. Various embodiments are taught.

Abstract: The invention taught herein provides a method, device and system for modulating or switching electromagnetic radiation by controlling a state of the radiation, such as a polarization state. Radiation is directed at a reflective or transmissive structure, such that the radiation is incident on the structure. The structure includes a property that can be dynamically switched between two configurations, one of which is asymmetric and is configured to modify the polarization characteristic of the radiation. The dynamically configurable structure can be combined with polarization components to achieve modulation. Embodiments suitable for mode-locking a laser and for cavity dumping a mode-locked laser are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for rapid validation of identity from tissue using registered two dimensional and optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan images. The preferred embodiment provides, for a human fingerprint, validation that the surface fingerprint matches the primary fingerprint. An alternate embodiment provides validation of “aliveness” by ascertaining blood flow. Various embodiments are taught.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for rapid validation of identity from tissue using registered two dimensional and optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan images. The preferred embodiment provides, for a human fingerprint, validation that the surface fingerprint matches the primary fingerprint. An alternate embodiment provides validation of “aliveness” by ascertaining blood flow. Various embodiments are taught.

Abstract: The invention taught herein provides a method, device and system for modulating or switching electromagnetic radiation by controlling a state of the radiation, such as a polarization state. Radiation is directed at a reflective or transmissive structure, such that the radiation is incident on the structure. The structure includes a property that can be dynamically switched between two configurations, one of which is asymmetric and is configured to modify the polarization characteristic of the radiation. The dynamically configurable structure can be combined with polarization components to achieve modulation. Embodiments suitable for mode-locking a laser and for cavity dumping a mode-locked laser are also disclosed.

Abstract: The device provides an optical coherence tomography system; a first bank of light emitting diodes emitting light centered about a first wavelength; a second bank of light emitting diodes, emitting light centered about a second wavelength; a prism, said prism including a first surface transmissive of the wavelength of the probe beam of the optical coherence tomography system, and a second surface which is also transmissive of the wavelength of the probe beam, and where the second is surface coated from a first edge to a midpoint so to be reflective of light at the first wavelength and transmissive of light at the second wavelength, and from the midpoint to a second edge transmissive of light at the first wavelength and reflective of light at the second wavelength; and one or more detector arrays. Alternate embodiments are taught.

Abstract: The invention teaches a multiple reference optical coherence tomography scanner that provides a subdermal fingerprint scan, covers an area of approximately 16 mm-17 mm×10 mm in less than a second, and fits into a slim profile of less than 6 mm in thickness, thereby fitting within the slim consumer electronics such as the iPhone and similar consumer electronics. Various embodiments are taught.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method obtaining the refractive index of the cornea. According to the invention, an optical coherence tomography system with a high numerical aperture lens. In a first position, radation is focused on the front surface of the cornea; in a second position, focused on the back surface of the cornea. The distance the high numerical aperture lens moves corresponds to the thickness of the cornea. The OCT reference mirror signals in a first position correspond to the front surface of the cornea; in a second position correspond to the back surface of the cornea. The distance between the first and second positions of the reference mirror corresponds to the optical distance of the cornea. Optical distance divided by physical distance provides the refractive index. Various alternate embodiments are taught.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for secure document verification. In the preferred embodiment, embedded information consists of marks embedded in the interior of the document and are comprised of regions that have refractive index modified to carry information. In the preferred embodiment the marks are not discernable by conventional imaging, spectroscopic or optical polarization techniques, but are discernably by interferometric techniques, such as optical coherence tomography. Multiple alternate embodiments are taught.

Abstract: The invention taught herein provides a method, device and system for modulating or switching electromagnetic radiation by controlling a state of the radiation, such as a polarization state. Radiation is directed at a reflective or transmissive structure, such that the radiation is incident on the structure. The structure includes a property that can be dynamically switched between two configurations, one of which is asymmetric and is configured to modify the polarization characteristic of the radiation. The dynamically configurable structure can be combined with polarization components to achieve modulation. Embodiments suitable for mode-locking a laser and for cavity dumping a mode-locked laser are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a polarized optical system with minimal use of wave plates that provides isolation of the optical source and has optimized signal to noise performance. The polarized optical system in the preferred embodiment is an interferometric optical system, and in particular an optical coherence tomography (OCT) system. Various alternate embodiments are provided.